Question

Is Buna-N biodegradable?

Answer 1

Buna-N biodegradable :

1. Biodegradable polymers are those which are broken down by microorganisms.
2. An elastomer that is frequently used is Buna-N, also known as Nitrile rubber, NBR, or Perbunan.
3. Elastomers are synthetic or natural materials that can be stretched and then returned to their original shape without breaking.
4. These are synthetic rubber copolymers of acrylonitrile(ACN) and butadiene.
5. The copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene and acrylonitrile using a peroxide catalyst yields buna-N.
6. Buna-N consists of long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
7. Thus a long period is required to decompose them.
8. Hence, it is a non-biodegradable polymer.
9. A biodegradable polymer is nylon-2-nylon-6.